Archive for September 2013

Early last week, the lead single off Britney Spears’ soon to be released latest album leaked off the whole online community. The song, which was entitled Work Bitch!, is her first single in two years and a kick start song from her eighth full studio album. This has made Britney fans and pop geeks drool over to see if girl still has it in her as one of pop’s most defining princesses. In celebration of the video premiere of Work Bitch (in two days), we’d stroll back memory lane and rank all of her eight lead singles to see which ones still sound great and which ones can we start to forget. Let’s go work it bitches.

*Clicking the photo will lead you to the YT video of the said song. 🙂

08. Hold It Against Me (2011)
ALBUM: Femme Fatale

Sure, Femme Fatale is one of her better albums by far, but is quite unfortunate that this wasn’t represented by a great opening single. Hold It is as disposable as one gets, it’s forgettable, it’s not distinct, and it doesn’t hold up to a lot of Britney’s old songs. There’s nothing about it that makes you feel it will be remembered in a long time. If anything though, it served its purpose of Brit’s fans getting excited with new material, so it ended up its way on top of the Hot 100. But upon listening to the rest of the album, Hold It is nothing special as compared to the gems of this album. But don’t worry, we won’t hold it against you, Britney.

07. Oops!…I Did It Again (2000)
ALBUM: Oops!…I Did It Again

Wait what did she really do again? Come up with a dancey pop song? Lyrics containing unlimited yeahs? Add ellipsis on the title of her single? Whatever it is, Oops!… is a catchy song that simply did not hold up well. Listening to the song now shows how dated it is, but then again I understand why it’s such a hit during its release time. It has the Titanic reference, she’s wearing a red dominatrix suit, and this catapulted her into pop superstardom. It’s still fun to listen to this every now and then, and it’s a total representation of her pop status in 2000.

06. Me Against the Music (2004)
ALBUM: In the Zone

It was her first song post that VMA kiss, so it’s wise of her team to stick to the Madonna reference as her opening starter for her 2004 album In the Zone. After all, Britney rarely does collaborations and duets with other singers. This did well, though the breathy delivery of the verses is something that refrains people from jamming with it perfectly. The video was so-so as well, though it gave enough material for some MadTV skit. This makes sense as a lead single… until we found out that it was followed by Toxic which is like one of the best Britney songs ever.

05. Womanizer (2009)
ALBUM: Circus

For her comeback single since everything that has happened to her from 2006 onwards, Britney stayed safe by opening this era with a song that is so repetitively done but is totally in her zone. Womanizer did its job as the perfect reminder of how Britney was loved by the people during her heydays: it has a catchy hook, a colorful music video, shows her body is in top form, and gives us those dancing skills we miss from her. For that alone, this is one strategic reminder of the old Britney while also introducing her to the new crowd.

04. Work Bitch (2013)
ALBUM: Yet to be announced

With seven albums now, Britney must think of a way on how to maintain interests with her material given the pop female domination now. And she does it by going the EDM way with her latest single. Work Bitch is very different from her previous singles, as it is her most “dancey” yet. It has that addictive beat that is just so inviting that you’d forgive her for trying to fit words such as governor, France, and treble in it. I was looking for that RuPaul touch though.

03. Gimme More (2007)
ALBUM: Blackout

Well yeah, I’m quite indifferent that people’s biggest memory of this song is that disastrous but iconic MTV VMA opening performance. With that said, never judge a song by its debut performance. Blackout is still, by far, the best Britney album to date, and Gimme More compliments it. It’s a song that never gets old and doesn’t have an “overrated” stamp in it. Also, it contain’s one of the best opening lines in any song with her three liner of “It’s Britney, Bitch!“

02. I’m A Slave 4 U (2001)
ALBUM: Britney

If Britney remained teasing with her her first two albums, she manages to play with her sexuality in her third album. And to signal that, she released I’m A Slave 4 U at that year’s MTV Video Music Awards with tiger and pythons in tow. This is personally one of my favorite Britney tracks, and the music video provided more oomph to this addictive song. What I like about it is that it’s a song that gets better with each listen and that it just flat out screams sexy and sass.

01. ...Baby One More Time (1999)
ALBUM: …Baby One More Time

Come on, admit it. It’s not even a competition.There’s a reason why Britney was the teen queen and the forefront of pop when she broke out. It’s definitely …Baby One More Time. From the school setting, the “baby baby“, the endless covers, and its impact to almost everyone, there’s no doubt that this unleashed and took the bubblegum pop genre to a whole new level. Needless to say, but not only is this one of the most iconic songs of its generation, but it’s also one of the best pop songs ever.

Now we’re getting closer to the Oscar precursor season especially since Venice, Telluride, and Toronto film festivals are all over. They all solidified some films’ and performances chances. Here’s the state of the race for this month:

Now that the awards were given and the ceremony is over, let’s give a moment to those who dressed up with such class and panache that if we could have only given Emmys to showing up in top form, they’d definitely be the frontrunners.

As always, you can click the photos for them to be in their larger form. 🙂

All photos courtesy of: omg.yahoo.com

15. PADMA LAKSHMI in Kaufman Franco

Isn’t it amazing that a woman whose show requires her to eat a lot of food all season shows up this gorgeous at the red carpet? Loving this white Kaufman Franco look on Padma, as she puts the P in this perfect ensemble.

14. ANNA GUNN in Romona Keveza

When Anna Gunn showed up at the red carpet in this black and white Romona Keveza creation, I thought she’s missing an accessory. Glad to see her pick it up at the middle of the ceremony as she won Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series for Breaking Bad.

13. ALLISON WILLIAMS IN Ralph Lauren

Simplicity is the key to being sexy. That’s what Williams did when she showed up in this cerulean blue Ralph Laurend dress. It was a combination of simple yet stylish that made her look so effortlessly chic.

12. GIULIANA RANCIC in Mikael D

Who says you need to be an A lister to make a mark on the red carpet? E! correspondent Giuliana Rancic was top notch looking in this blue Mikael D gown she’s wearing. I’m a fan of the intricate details of the gown, and she’s rocking this short do that she’s currently sporting.

11. EDIE FALCO in Escada

Four time Emmy winner Edie Falco finally gets it right, as she looks so comfortable in this blue Escada ensemble. It does not say try hard nor is she wearing it like a hanger. The hair looks perfect as well.

10. JANE KRAKOWSKI in Zac Posen

Maybe I’m just a big fan of this color? But despite being empty handed for her performance in 30 Rock, one area where she certainly was a winner is in the red carpet with this Zac Posen creation. The hair is a bit Kate Walsh-ish though.

09. SOFIA VERGARA in Vera Wang

We’re used to Vergara bringing out all the guns with her red carpet appearances. It’s probably the reason why this red Vera Wang gown worked for her: it’s restrained and gives her some soft looks and doesn’t scream as loud as Gloria Delgado.

08. CARRIE PRESTON in Romona Keveza

She might have won her Emmy for Guest Actress in a Drama Series last week, but that did not stop Preston from going out in top form in this Romona Keveza creation. I understand if you think this is similar to Debra Messing’s 2007 Emmy dress, but I love what Mrs. Michael Emerson brought to the table.

07. KALEY CUOCO in Vera Wang

I don’t know what is it with Vera Wang this year, but she sure did know how to choose for her actresses. Like Vergara, Cuoco looks more softened and relaxed in this plum gown. For once, she doesn’t look a tacky or a try hard which is probably her dressing motto the past few years.

06. EMILIA CLARKE in Donna Karan Atelier

She might not have won the Emmy, but she sure made her presence felt. Daenerys was showstopping in this Donna Karan Atelier ensemble which will tame every dragon there is out there once they see this outfit.

05. ELISABETH MOSS in Andrew Gn

Going blonde has been one of the best fashion decisions Elisabeth Moss has successfully made. That, and wearing this black top on a white skirt Andrew Gn gown at last night’s ceremonies. Now if she can only win an Emmy, then it would have been better.

04. ROSE BYRNE in Calvin Klein

Emmy nominee Rose Byrne might not be nominated this year (she was there to support boyfriend Bobby Cannavale), but she was a delight to see in this pink Calvin Klein outfit which highlighted her statuesque body.

03. TINA FEY in Narciso Rodriguez

So yeah basically this is a big FUCK YOU to everyone who says Tina Fey knows no other color than black. This blue Narciso Rodriguez showed Tina has those dangerous sexy curves. And yes she won an Emmy! ❤

02. JULIA LOUIS DREYFUS in Monique Lhuillier

Seeing what Julia will wear is like one of my most anticipated Emmy moments every year. Girl just knows how to bring it every single year. And she did it again with this very natural look in a shimmering Monique Lhuillier look. Oh and another shiny Emmy.

01. MICHELLE DOCKERY in Prada

So yeah, this might not have been the most original look, but everything about this worked for me. The color combination? Check. The way the top part hugged her body? Check. Neat hair? Check. Michelle Dockery is a goddess, and this is another receipt to back that claim up.

So, who were your favorites last night? And what is your favorite fashion moment? You can pipe them in below!

And we’ve finally come to the end of this month long series of Emmy predictions. This is the last part of the 23+ categories that I’ve been writing for the past month or so. It is indeed wise to save the best for last with the top Emmy category for achievement in drama. There have been no serious major snub in this category this year, though HBO’s Boardwalk Empire finally bid out of this race and Netflix’s House of Cards took its place.

Last year, I predicted Downton Abbey for the win just because I thought it will be the gamechanger since it literally swept a lot of nominations. After all, it’s coming from a strong second season and was seen as the cool “it” show of last season. None of those factors work here anymore, so if they can’t win with a much buzzed season last year, I doubt it will pull off a late win for this one.

Mad Men has won four consecutive back to back series from 2008-2011 and it had its first major shutout last year. I think the trend will continue this year, though they’ll have the extra year to still pull off a fifth series win and a possible acting victory with the news of their last season being divided into two parts.

Netflix made history with its first series nod via House of Cards. However, unlike 2008 when cable (that is not named HBO) managed to win the top award, I don’t the situation is ripe yet for a Netflix victory. After all, in 2008, it wasn’t only Mad Men who benefits from a cable advantage. There were also Damages, Breaking Bad, and Dexter benefiting from the said narrative, so they are well represented. This year, its nomination is the reward for the huge gamble.

Game of Thrones just finished their best season yet in terms of critics and audience with the Red Wedding episode being the season’s highlight. It would have put them near the frontrunner status, but I don’t think it is enough to overcome the genre bias of the voters. As a consolation though, it is the closest they’ve ever been to in terms of chances in their three year stay in this category.

In the end, it’s still a battle between current champ Homeland defending its position, and current it show Breaking Bad with their second to the last season. On one hand, Homeland despite receiving mixed reception for their second season can still not be compared to the sophomore slump of other shows. Besides, the key here is submission, and they submitted really well. The show had an increase in nominations and the Emmys usually tend to stick longer to a show as compared to the critics who shift picks from season to season.

On the other, Breaking Bad benefits from the fact that the voting season happened during the release of their finale season. So odds are, the buzz is higher than ever. The nominations also increased this year with them finally conquering the writing categories (and with two nominations at that). It is clearly a show that is too big to ignore that it’s already a shoo-in for next year’s Drama Series award even if all the other contenders aren’t starting their seasons yet.

In the end, I think that will put Homeland at a slight advantage over Breaking Bad.Sure, the buzz right now is deafening, but I don’t think they’ll reward it for the first part of a divided season. Even The Sopranos waited for the last season when it got its second win. With the show ultimately being a lock for next year’s category, they’d more likely wait for it by then to reward it. In that manner, they can give another win to Homeland which is clearly another show that they love.

We’re down to the last two categories of this year’s Emmy awards, and we’ll begin with the highest honor in Comedy. With no Curb Your Enthusiasm eligible this season, one slot was available and critical darlign Louie made it in over 3x nominee and 2004 Arrested Development and a lauded sophomore season of New Girl.

The two HBO comedies managed to hold on their spots for a consecutive year now though Veep over performed with two more acting nominations despite no directing and writing nods under its belt. Girls, on the other hand, underperformed with no writing nod now, though it managed to add one more acting nom for Adam Driver and another directing nomination. Sadly for them, they’re also the two weakest nominees in this category.

Speaking of no directing and writing nods, The Big Bang Theory is enjoying an all time high of Emmy love for a critically and commercially well received sixth season. Winning from the Critics Choice and the TCAs this year, the show is doing very well and has been the landmark of network comedies in the midst of a struggling rating natures. With that said, its lack of directing and writing nods will hurt, as only one show managed to pull off that feat in 2002 and that was NBC’s Friends. Now one can claim that both depended on the huge ratings factor under their name, but Friends was on an all time pop culture status at the time it won the award. I don’t think Big Bang can survive the lack of directing and writing nods to pull off the win.

This year’s most critically lauded show, Louie, is also FX’s first time in this category. There’s no doubt that Louis CK is a god among Emmy voters, and that he is the it thing now. But I’m not yet confident that they’ll hand it the top prize. Maybe in the next few years, but this one is a triumph of acknowledging the show for the top category instead of giving it the win already. Let’s see how the show will be received on Sunday to gauge its future chances (though it’s off to a good start with Melissa Leo’s win earlier this week).

As for the last two contenders here, both Modern Family and 30 Rock are contending for a fourth Emmy win. 30 Rock has the advantage of going with its last season, and it is the last time to reward one of Emmy’s most loved shows of the aughts. But if history is any indication, only one show in the last decade has won for its final season (Everybody Loves Raymond in 2005). 30 Rock has been winning nothing for the last two three years, so I’m having my reservations if they’d go reward it again all of a sudden. I think they’ll give its due some category else and not here.

Given all that conditions, I’d say that in the end, Modern Family will skate in for a fourth consecutive win. This might have been their most vulnerable win if ever, but let’s gauge if there will be a fatigue of the show already. I’m not bothered with their lackluster submissions since it has been a habit for the show to do that, and I’m also not bothered with their lack of Creative Emmys win since that also happened in Season 2 yet they swept all their nominated televised awards. The thing is, if one needs to unseat MF from this category, we need one strong viable alternate, and not multiple semi-strong ones, as its tendency is that the anti-MF votes will scatter all over the place. So yes, for this year, I’m predicting a Modern Family fourpeat.

Now it’s time to dissect the last acting category of the year, and at the forefront are the six funny men of comedy. This is a fairly weak category, though I love the inclusions of Jason Bateman who managed to get in despite the lacking presence of Arrested Development this season and Matt LeBlanc since I’m a big Friends fanboy, and I love seeing them rewarded for anything post-show. Sadly though, there’s not enough space left for New Girl‘s Jake Johnson who was lauded for his career best work last season. Anyway, ;et’s go to the nominees.

Alec Baldwin is in for the last time for his stint in 30 Rock. After winning in 2008 and 2009, he stopped submitting competitive episode (at times because he want co-nominees to win or maybe he stopped bothering at all). The same can be said for his submission this year A Goon’s Deed in a Weary World, where in he’s in the B storyline of the episode. With that said, Baldwin is still a force of a name in television and he’s the only person who won seven straight years at the SAGs. So that might account to something.

Oscar nominee Don Cheadle receives a second consecutive nod for House of Lies. Truth be told, I’m not the biggest fan of the show, as its humor simply doesn’t stick with me. However, I have to give him credit for coming up with a submission that at least made me chuckled. It’s a vast improvement from his submission last year. I’d still put him dead last though and stick by the idea that he just got in for his movie star status.

Surviving the Arrested Development snub is lead star Jason Bateman. Bateman benefits from the character-centric nature of the season, as he shines with the most screentime in this category. As for his submission Flight of the Phoenix, I think it did not do him any favors that his Michael is far from the typical Michael that we’ve seen from the past season. In this one, he’s clingy, desperate and unlikable which does not work well in his favor.

Aside from Alec Baldwin, Jim Parsons is also gunning for his third Emmy win in this category. But unlike Jack Donaghy, Parsons clearly knows what to submit. He went for a throwback drunk episode which puts him the win n this category in 2010 for The Pants Alternative. By submitting The Habitation Configuration, that makes him an easy frontrunner in this category.

Matt LeBlanc is in a different situation altogether. Despite gaining no buzz for the show, they still manage to reap nods for writing and acting the same way they did two years ago. That says something with how popular the show is towards the people that matter (the nominating and voting people). In his submission, he was in a conflicted situation as he force to give his agent a car, until the secret behind his act was revealed. LeBlanc played this role well, and I think it’s unwise to underestimate him.

And then there’s Louis CK. As each year passes, the love for his show Louie increases. Just for this year alone, he collected a total of nine nominations. With that said, I don’t know how big of a hard on the Emmys has on him since the nature of his show has a history of not winning for acting. If another Emmy favorite Larry David can’t snatch one for Curb Your Enthusiasm, then I’m adamant that they’ll lean to Louis CK’s performance. I really can’t think of a solid way to describe his chances.

I guess in the end it’s a battle of the first one to enter the three time category winners. On one hand, there’s Alec Baldwin who’s on his last shot to do so. I don’t think Baldwin can be stopped by a weak submission especially since this is their last shot to reward him. However, Jim Parsons is enjoying an all time high of critical and commercial love for the show. If anything, he can be the token recognition of Emmys acknowledging the show. But then again, I’m pretty sure 30 Rock is bound to win something, and since it did not happen with Stritch, and I’m thisclose to moving Louis CK as my winner in Writing, then this category makes sense. I go back and forth with the two, but I guess I’d go with Baldwin.